Doe, a Deer… That Sound You Hear is Delightful ‘Music’
By Leslie Katz, Staff Writter

DARE I say it? I liked Karyne Levy in “The Sound of Music” more than I liked Julie Andrews in the classic movie.

She brings a fun almost punk interpretation to the role, revealing Maria’s iconoclastic ways even more than the rim Ms. Andrews did.

Karyne, the star of Hillbarn Theatre’s production in Foster City, isn’t on her way to Broadway anytime soon- at least I don’t think so.

Community theatre thespian by evening, by day she’s a copy editor and page designer for the San Mateo County Times’ Bay Area Living section. I’m one of the lucky editors that works with her.

Given that I clearly have a bias, we’re calling this thing about Hillbarn’s “The Sound of Music a “commentary,” not a “review.” But let me add that I am thrilled to have this forum to shout out why I often prefer community theatre to professional theatre. Not only is it its spirit healing and refreshing, it provides the neatest opportunity for people to see loved ones, friends, and, yes, even co-workers, in the spotlight- or a different light.

I’ve already dared Karyne, who typically dresses in jeans, a cool t-shirt, and the hippest eyeglasses ever, to wear one of her costumes to the office. She’d just be adorable in the cute lederhosen number- or maybe the matronly tailored green suit she wears when she returns home after her honeymoon.

My favorite moment watching her act was when she first realizes she’s in love with Georg von Trapp, the guy whose kids she takes care of after leaving the abbey. She looked so realistically freaked out!

On the other hand, her casting isn’t really far-fetched. The Maria who belts out the title tune, challenges the insensitive Capt. Von Trapp and charms his kids- by being nothing but herself- isn’t that much different fro my gregarious, super-friendly co-worker.

Did I mention that Karyne really can sing? Elizabeth, a colleague who joined me at Saturday’s performance, was nothing short of astounded. We both gasped at Karyne’s sturdy, not feathery vocals.

Karynes’s cast mates are nothing to sneeze at, either. Her Georg, Paul Melville, brings a real sweetness and depth to his initially hard character, while Eryn Elash plays Elsa- Maria’s romantic rival- with lovely humor, and Steve Schwartz gets his share of laughs as Max.
As the Mother Abbess, Marjorie H. Groshart inspires in the unforgettable “Climb Ev’ry Mountain.”

Of course, “The Sound of Music” would be nothing without the kids, and Hillbarn’s troupe conjures up magic. Here’s the lineup: Katie Rose Sanfilippo as the 16-year-old Liesl, Alex Dreschke as Friedrich, Lauren Meyer as Louisa, Daniel Mirsalis as Kurt, Sitar Terrass-Shah as Marta, and Tara Burchmore as “little” Gretl.

When I took a look at the audience during “Do-Re-Mi” and “My favorite Things,” I saw crowd of happy folks knowingly singing along to themselves- all with big smiles.

I don’t want to forget the folks behind and around the scenes. To director Cornelia Whitcomb Thompson, music Director Greg Sudmeier, vocal director John Lehrack, choreographer Mike Cymanski and costumer Mae Heagerty- Matos: Thanks so much for providing so many favorite things.

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